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Abstract

BackgroundThere are few comprehensive reviews of breast cancer outcomes in older women. We synthesize data to describe key findings and gaps in knowledge about the outcomes of breast cancer in this population.MethodsWe reviewed research published between 1995 and June 2003 on breast cancer quality of life and outcomes among women aged 65 and older treated for breast cancer. Outcomes included communication, satisfaction, and multiple quality of life domains.ResultsFew randomized trials or cohort studies that measured quality of life after treatment focused exclusively on older women. Studies from older women generally noted that, with the exception of axillary dissection, type of surgical treatment generally had no effect on long-term outcomes. In contrast, the processes of care, such as choosing therapy, good patient-physician communication, receiving treatment concordant with preferences about body image, and low perceptions of bias, were associated with better quality of life and satisfaction.ConclusionsWith the exception of axillary dissection, the processes of care, and not the therapy itself, seem to be the most important determinants of long-term quality of life in older women.

Understanding how e‐health interventions meet psychosocial needs of breast cancer patients: The pathways of influence on quality of life and cancer concerns

“…information overload, social isolation, depression, anxiety, physical pain, and discomfort. 2,3 Breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management can significantly increase cancer-related concerns and damage patient quality of life. E-health interventions offer targeted health information and support, increase patient engagement, and improve health outcomes in patients with chronic diseases, including cancer.…”

Relationships Between Three Beliefs as Barriers to Symptom Management and Quality of Life in Older Breast Cancer Survivors

“…A study by Dawson et al (2005) showed that, regardless of the sources of pain (cancer or non-cancer related), older patients’ willingness to take pain medications was dependent on whether or not they had communicated with HCPs about fears of addiction from pain medications. Mandelblatt et al (2003) found that whether or not older patients communicated with HCPs about their pain was related to their satisfaction with care, and HCPs’ attitudes were more predictive of patients’ quality of life than the treatment they received.…”

“…Empirical studies have reported that when HCPs interact with older persons they tended to talk less, to provide oversimplified information (Nussbaum et al, 2003; Siminoff, Graham, & Gordon, 2006), and to belittle their concerns (Dawson, Sellers, Spross, Jablonski, Hoyer, & Solomon, 2005). These communication attitudes of HCPs have a negative effect on older persons’ health and quality of life (Mandelblatt et al, 2003; Yeom & Heidrich, 2009). …”

“…On the other hand, when communication between HCPs and older patients is positive, research has found better adherence to medical treatment (Mandelblatt et al, 2003), higher satisfaction with care (Stewart, Meredith, Brown, & Galajda, 2000) and higher overall quality of life (Liang et al, 2002; Stewart, et al, 2000). Communication with HCPs about symptoms is an important aspect of effective symptom management in that it provides the opportunity for either reinforcing or weakening barriers to symptom management.…”

Tai Ji Quan for the aging cancer survivor: Mitigating the accelerated development of disability, falls, and cardiovascular disease from cancer treatment

“…3 Studies of aging cancer survivors comprise only a small proportion of research, especially exercise research, which could provide evidence for a singular behavioral strategy that could comprehensively maintain functioning, reduce the risks of comorbid conditions, and improve quality of life. 4, 5 …”